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Webb Canyon Chronicle
The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle
The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle
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21 questions with Xander Kong

Narineh Madikians and Sebastian Hoffmann
December 4, 2021
21 questions with Xander Kong (’22)
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Annalise Centeno (’26) and Ella Berg (’26) peacefully sit on Huntington Beach with the company of Dr Nguyen’s corgi, Ein. Although the weather was foggy, the beach was still filled with other corgis and attendees. “I really enjoyed relaxing on the beach near the ocean, along with the company of so many puppies,” Annalise Centeno (’26) said. The event was a huge success.
Webbies embark on Corgi Beach Day
The College Guidance Office, hidden between the trees of lower campus, with a table and chairs outside providing a quiet place to work, is where students receive advice and support while preparing for and applying to college. “I think it's hard because it's two counselors supporting 100 students,” said Emily Thornton (’25). “I think you can feel really unsupported.” Only having two counselors for so many students might lead to a lack of knowledge for students about the college process.
Does Webb put too much stress on college admissions?
Frequent Cafe 1175 visitor Daniel Xue (’27) purchases a jasmine milk tea and a choco bun after patiently waiting in a long line during X Block. The cafe offers savory and sweet breads, ordered from 85º Bakery every morning, along with a choice of coffees, teas, and refreshments. “One of my favorite items to purchase is the Arizona [tea],” said Daniel. Cafe 1175 offers a variety selections that students enjoy and is looking forward to new additions of foods in the future.
Cafe 1175: A Blend of flavor, community, and connection
In Advanced Studies Anatomy & Physiology, Marc Zambrano (‘26), Isamar Theobald (‘25), Pristine Thomas (‘25), Geniya Parker (‘26), and Berklee Antecol (’25) work on making a muscle microanatomy booklet to help them study. Working on projects like this helps students learn more about the subject. “There is less emphasis on tests and there are more projects,” said Geniya. “It makes learning more fun and engaging, so I end up learning the material better.”
Why is Webb removing AP classes?
Female cat Fuego –– “Fire” in Spanish –– belongs to Susanna Linsley, Director of Experiential Learning. Fuego waves at the camera, welcoming you to hear her story. The name “Fuego” was suggested by Dr. Linsley’s kids, as they liked the idea that it is one of the threats California constantly faces; naming their cat “Fire” symbolizes their kitten is the fierce protector of their realm. Along with her brother Oso, Fuego is the one of the two first kittens adopted by Dr. Linsley and her family. “We knew we wanted two of them because I had two kids,” said Dr. Linsley. “I also think everybody needs company.”
Stories behind the faculty cats
Dorm prefects Chelsea Wei (‘25), Lucy Troendle (‘26), Sophie Lin (‘26), Natalie Au (‘26) and Samantha Wang (‘26) gather moments before starting the Webb haunted house to take a photo dressed as scarers. Scarers participated in the haunted house from 8:30 to 10 p.m. “I enjoyed screaming at people and even though I felt tired, I’m glad I experienced being part of the haunted house,” Natalie said. After hours of preparation, prefects put their planning into action by scaring students in the Old School House.
Discover the process behind Webb Halloween traditions
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Jaeho Lee (‘28) receives a notification. He goes to a secluded place, opens his phone, and starts deciphering the fourth clue. Having successfully made it to the first three checkpoints, he is now tasked with figuring out the rest of the riddles leading him to the remaining checkpoints. But the clues will only get harder and harder to crack. “Decode the clues or tag as many as possible!” said Kenny (‘25). Soon, the zombies will swarm the checkpoints––Jaeho must think of something quick.
After dark: diving into Webb’s annual Zombie Apocalypse
The numbered phone stand used for Reboot November in South Hutch dorm was an efficient system that helped keep track of participating students. The stand, numbered from 1 to 30, allowed students to place their phones in designated slots, making it easy for dorm prefects to monitor participation. “It’s a simple and effective way to stay organized, even though I didn’t participate, I noticed how the system made it easy for everyone to keep track and to make sure no one missed out on their rewards,” said Jarra Jallow (’25). This process helped maintain order and ensured everyone’s phone was accounted for during the challenge.
Week 3 of Reboot November: can Webb earn a no-school day?
Emily Shao (‘26) is sitting at her desk, surrounded by stacks of articles and open browser tabs, deep in research mode as she sifts through scattered details of the P. Diddy case. With limited reliable sources and countless rumors swirling online, information is difficult to find and even harder to verify. “It's like a reminder that we often don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes, even with public figures we think we know,” Emily said. The search for truth feels like peeling back layers of a story far more complicated than any headline could convey.
Diddy’s arrest sparks new conspiracy theories
A large variety of candies is spilling out of a pumpkin trick-or-treat bucket. As Halloween comes to an end, students count their candies and pick out the ones they like to save while arguing over which one is ultimately the best. “Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because I love candies and watching movies,” said Tychelle Moore Cul-pepper (’27). Students have had a fruitful Halloween this year and continue to look forward to next year’s celebration.
Trick or Treat: Halloween candies ranked by students (and the two that sparked debate)
On their website, Victoria's Secret claims to "represent all women," an effort seen in their runway shows and campaigns. However, many, including Lucy Troendle (‘26), feel this doesn’t reflect true inclusivity. "I don’t feel represented at all by Victoria’s Secret,” Lucy said.
From angels to real women? Why Victoria's Secret’s rebrand did not work
On October 29th, after an intense game, Webb varsity water polo players participated in the customary post-game high five with the opposing team, Pioneer High School. This game marked the beginning of CIF and ended with a promising score of 13-4. “Coming in as the underdogs brings a thrill of uncertainty to the playoffs and knowing we're playing our best is encouraging,” Neil Xu (‘27) said. As the team steadily progresses through CIF, their advancement raises the question: how did the team get here despite not participating in any league games?
Varsity water polo strives for CIF victory
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Sarah Lantz, Dean of Students, and Micheal Hoe, Assistant Head of School, explain procedures for the Honor Pledge Ceremony to students sitting outside the chapel. This is the first time students have had to sit outside to accommodate the larger number of students in a co-ed ceremony. “We had new signers for the Honor Pledge and escorts sit outside the chapel and watch the ceremony on TVs, which was a new addition this year,” said Scott Wishek (‘25), chair of the honor council.
Honor Pledge Ceremony shifts with one school model
Tyler Liu (‘25) and Jay Pang (‘25) model the current political climate of division in the upcoming election. “People literally beat each other up over the election,” Jay said. “It’s crazy.” The political divide in the United States is becoming increasingly tense, and many students at Webb feel it in this community as well.
Poll reveals political divisions and shifts in the Webb community
Aurora Deng (’26) is doing Saturday check-in at Stockdale Community Center with the new application REACH and its embedded NFC tag. “I like it more [now that] we don’t have to do the sign-in books because there used to be a long line,” said Jacky Qi. ”NFC tags are a lot faster.” Before NFC tags were implemented, students had to sign the physical check-in books every Saturday.
Reach affects Webb student’s daily life
Theme Week 2024
Theme Week 2024
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With less than a week left until move-out day, Grace Zhu (‘25) begins to pack items in her room. To create an efficient packing process. Grace begins by re-organizing her room to see what items will not be needed in the following week. After collecting her things, Grace begins to pack away these items. “I’m trying to organize my items based on categories to help me move out,” Grace said.
How boarders are preparing for the end of the year move out in the dorms
About the Contributors
Narineh Madikians
Narineh Madikians, Public Editor
Narineh Madikians (‘23) is coming back to Webb for her senior year as a completely new person. Along with her new position as the Webb Canyon Chronicle's new Public Editor, Narineh is also a head peer advisor and a member of the VWS varsity volleyball team. Even though her senior year is full of change, Narineh still loves humanities courses from past years such as Advanced Studies Creative Nonfiction. She encourages everyone at Webb to take this class as it has made a significant impact on her writing techniques. This year, she is focusing on the future while also trying to stay present at the moment, hoping to make as many lasting memories as she can before she leaves for college. After a long and busy week at school, Narineh uses her weekends to recharge. She loves to go out with her friends or stay at home and watch movies with her parents and three dogs: Jeckie, Dash, and Rex. At the end of the day, Narineh unwinds by listening to her favorite artists such as Mac Miller, Frank Ocean, and Childish Gambino. Narineh will use her new and old experiences throughout Webb, the WCC, and outside life, to make her senior year unforgettable.   Favorite Song: "Crimson and Clover" by Tommy James and The Shondells
Sebastian Hoffmann
Sebastian Hoffmann, Staff Writer
On a typical morning, Sebastian Hoffman (’23) wakes up in his dorm, Kirkhill, and reads for 20 to 30 minutes. Working at a local bookstore during the last summer, Sebastian’s favorite book is Roadside Picnic and enjoys reading science fiction that explores insightful themes on the nature of mankind. Of course, books are not his only source of entertainment; Sebastian loves watching Peaky Blinders, playing the video game Nuclear Throne, and listening to synthwave, his favorite music genre. This year, the Bay Area native is taking Advanced Studies Cold War, which is fitting considering his fascination for history. Sebastian is also always up to date on current events, especially news about the economy and the market. As a staff writer for the Webb Canyon Chronicle, Sebastian hopes to guarantee the factual accuracy of his articles, while connecting global issues to the school community and increasing their relevance among the student body.   Favorite song: "Paint It, Black" by the Rolling Stones